What are the best techniques for overcoming fear of public speaking?

Answer 1

The best techniques to overcoming fear of public speaking are the most simple ones. Presuming that you don't suffer from an excessive degree of communication apprehension (beyond the general "jitters" that all public speakers face), here are seven steps that will work.

1. Speak about what you know. A good public speech comes from some degree of expertise. Ensure that your topic stems from your interests and experiences.

2. Prepare and practice. Public speaking is an artform that hides a discipline. You want to appear relaxed and conversational. But the only way to accomplish that goal is to develop a well conceived outline of your main points and run through your speech several times. I recommend that you practice in front of a video camera for self-analysis and also practice in front of two or three trusted friends. Ask for positive feedback and constructive criticism.

3. Visualize success. Many public speakers psyche themselves out because they presume their audiences will judge them harshly. Instead, you should prepare for success. Close your eyes and visualize your audience enjoying your speech. Use your imagination to see them nodding with appreciation at your insights, hear them laughing at your well-timed humor, and expect them to be clapping at your successful conclusion. The body generally follows the lead of the mind. So if the mind is prepared to do well, the body will perform accordingly.

4. Anticipate some "nerves." When your heart rate increases, your palms get clammy, and your extremities shake mildly, it's a scary sensation, but it's entirely normal. It's called the "fight or flight" response; it's your body preparing to do something extraordinary. And for most people, public speaking is extraordinary. So when you experience nerves, don't overreact to them. That's just your body's way of saying, "This is different, and I'm getting ready for it." As you progress through the speech, your nerves will reach a plateau and then the physical signs of your anxiety will decrease. Pretty soon you'll feel much better.

5. Pay particular attention to your introduction and conclusion. Professionals might explain this in terms of 'primacy effect' and 'recency effect,' but the general rule is: start and leave with a good impression. Your intro should begin with a timely story or interesting statistic, one that sets the scene for your speech. The conclusion should "tie back" to that story or statistic - conveying that you're wrapping the speech up - and end on a thoughtful and/or upbeat note. Here's a hint. Develop your conclusion so that there's no need to fall back on the old standby: "Thank you" (or worse, "that's it").

6. Concentrate on your purpose. Your purpose is to inform, entertain, or persuade. But in a larger sense, your goal is to better the lives of your audience through this speech. If you keep that goal in mind at all times of your speech, you'll earn the good will of your audience. That good will comes handy: if you make a little mistake, they'll forgive you readily. You're not trying to impress them; you're trying to benefit them. Most people appreciate the effort, even if it's less than perfect.

7. Remember paralanguage. As the saying goes, "it's not just what you say but how you say it." Work to offer dynamic vocals, relaxed and illustrative gestures, and meaningful eye contact. This latter component is essential. Don't simply read from note cards; focus on all sides of the room and really *look* at individual audience members. The impression you generate is shaped as much by your voice and body language as by your word choice - maybe even more.

I am an associate professor of communication studies at San Jose State University, and I offer this advice with confidence. Follow these steps and you should do well.

The next step is to seek opportunities to practice the art, to make mistakes, receive feedback, and learn from your successes.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Stuart, Others have said it already, but no, there is no drug that will help you. And even if you did find one that you think helps you along, you'd only become dependent on it which will backfire. Know this: the fear of public speaking will never completely go away, so don't believe those that say it can (and usually if you pay them to show you how). Believe it or not, a speaker with no nervous energy would appear boring. Experienced speakers know that a far better solution than fighting fear is to channel it into the performance. And yes, public speaking is a form of performing. Take advantage of having a little time to prepare for the presentation (and any others thereafter). Create a simple two or three point version of your speech and do it in front of a video camera. Then watch yourself. Pay attention to what both looks and sounds good, figure out how it can be made better, then try again. This kind of feedback is invaluable. If you can, do the speech in front of friends or family and then ask them what worked and what didn't. Often what we think looks or sounds a certain way is far different from the perspective of an audience member. Use notes so you don't feel lost. Prepare your notes using just key or "trigger" words. *Never write a speech out word for word or try to memorize it. Rather, use the key words to remind you of what to say and then just speak from your heart. Your audience does not know your speech and won't know you made a mistake unless you tell them. And back your points with stories. They're easy to retell and audiences love stories--gives you instant credibility. Use your voice. Speak loudly but without shouting. Speak louder than you would one on one. This gives you authority and confidence. Don't rush--don't be afraid to pause and collect your next thought. Pausing actually make you look very confident. Use your eyes. Don't stare at the ceiling or the floor, and don't try to imagine everyone in their underwear--that doesn't work. Instead, look people in the eye randomly for 3 to 5 seconds. This can take practice. Again, use your family and friends. This technique alone will make you look like a professional speaker. Right beforehand, stretch your mouth and tongue. Warm up your voice by humming from your lowest to your highest a few times. Drink lots of water, but no dairy or sugar. Then breath deep, hold your chin high, and walk to the mic with confidence. When you get there, don't apologize and don't say "I'm nervous, bear with me" or anything like that. Just smile and jump right into it. You'll be fine. Remember that skills you develop now will help you tremendously in the future. Successful people in all walks of life are good communicators. Google: Divine Knowledge Transfer

Answer 3

start speaking to people in public settings.... even if just eye contact and saying hello.
it will build confidence

Answer 4

1) picture everyone either naked or taking a dump
2) start your speech off with a joke
3) take a deep breath before you start speaking